On this day in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved and critically acclaimed The Hobbit was published. Because of its popularity and zealous reviews, the 1,500 copies printed were sold out by December! Over the past 75 years, The Hobbit has sold more than 100 million copies, been translated into over 40 languages, and has been adapted to the stage, animated film, and, most recently, to the big screen. Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, directed, co-wrote, and produced the three film adaptations of The Hobbit, the first of which will be released on December 14, 2012.

To kick off Tolkien Week and celebrate The Hobbit‘s 75th anniversary, Jackson announced the release of the film’s second trailer, which was released on September 19. Check out the new trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey at the film’s official website, thehobbit.com!

Celebrate The Hobbit‘s 75th anniversary by reading your favorite chapter of the book – alone or with friends! Better yet, share your favorite passages over second breakfast. HarperCollins UK is organizing “The Hobbit Second Breakfast” and encouraging fans from all over the world to join them in enjoying a second breakfast today at 11 a.m. Not sure what to make for second breakfast? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), the U.S. publisher of The Hobbit, provides a hobbit menu while the Warner Bros. website features a variety of hobbit- and Middle-earth-inspired dishes.

And don’t forget to celebrate Hobbit Day on September 22, the Baggins’ birthday (Bilbo and Frodo, that is). Head over to HMH’s Hobbit Day & Events site to see if there’s an event near you. You’ll also find plenty of creative ideas for creating your own Hobbit Day festivities.